Hearing your cat purr is a very relaxing sound. Cats often purr when they are relaxed and content, and it can make you feel great, too. That’s the reason why you should take good care of your cat and keep him happy. These cat care tips can turn you into a great caretaker.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This may harm or kill them. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.
If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.
Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. Because of this, night time is when they are most active. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Spay your female cat. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.
You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Read the ingredient list on the label. Avoid fish products.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You can often get great advice from friends and family. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This avoids the hairball problem, which may lead to choking and a buildup of hair in the stomach.
Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. All mammals love to play. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. Cats prefer used scratching posts. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. The litter box should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to get to, however. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. Aging cats can chew this easier. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
Help your cat live a longer life by keeping them healthy and keeping them current with check-ups and vaccinations. Just like with having kids, young cats need to be checked on to see if they’re doing okay from time to time. It also needs its shots so that you can avoid problems later on down the road. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.
Move the litter box if your cat won’t use it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. For example, your basement, laundry room or other room away from household activity should suffice.
Litter Box
Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. When a cat wags its tail, it can mean that it is conflicted or that it is trying to decide if it should run away from a situation or attack. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.
If the cat stops using their litter box all of a sudden, keep an eye on this. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.
Do not give human medications to cats. If health problems arise, take your cat to a vet. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Often, you will find that a cat purrs when it is in a good mood. Cats are graceful, beautiful animals and it can be easy to care for them if you implement the tips here. Use these tips to boost your cat’s purring.
Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. When cats are young they are going to have to have wet food due to having small teeth. When the adult teeth develop, dry, hard food will help make teeth stronger. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.